Transferring a vehicle tag in Florida signifies a change in vehicle ownership and requires compliance with state regulations. This process is necessary when purchasing a used car from a private seller, inheriting a vehicle, or relocating to Florida with an out-of-state title. Understanding the fees and requirements for a tag transfer helps vehicle owners ensure legal compliance and avoid unexpected expenses.
Standard Tag Transfer Fees
Core expenses for transferring a tag in Florida involve fees for the vehicle’s title and registration. A title transfer, which establishes new ownership, costs $75.25 for an electronic title or $77.75 for a paper title. An original used title costs $85.25. These fees are outlined in Florida Statute 319.23.
Florida Statute 320.0609 mandates a basic transfer fee of $4.50 when transferring a license plate from a sold vehicle to a newly acquired one. If the new vehicle requires a higher license tax, the owner must pay the prorated difference for the remaining registration period. An initial registration fee of $225 applies when a vehicle is registered in Florida for the first time and the owner does not have an existing Florida license plate to transfer. This $225 fee does not apply to registration renewals, transfers between co-owners, transfers by operation of law, or transfers to immediate family members in the same household.
Additional Costs and Factors
Beyond standard transfer fees, several other charges can influence the total cost of a tag transfer. Florida levies a 6% sales tax on the vehicle’s full purchase price, whether from a dealer or private seller. Many counties also impose a discretionary sales surtax, typically on the first $5,000 of the purchase price, with rates varying by county.
Late fees accrue if the title transfer or registration renewal is delayed. An additional $20 fee is assessed if a title application is not filed within 30 days of vehicle delivery. Driving with an expired registration can lead to penalties under Florida Statute 320.07. An expiration of six months or less results in renewal and late fees, while an expiration exceeding six months can lead to civil traffic infractions. If a lien is placed on the vehicle, a lien recording fee of $2.00 to $2.50 is charged, with electronic lien additions costing around $74.75.
If the existing tag is near or past its expiration, renewal fees will be added. Annual registration fees are based on the vehicle’s weight and type, with basic car registrations starting around $27.60. Third-party tag agencies charge additional service fees, separate from state-mandated fees. An expedited service fee of $10 is available for title services within five working days.
Completing the Tag Transfer
Completing a tag transfer in Florida requires specific documentation and a set procedure. Owners must present the original vehicle title, properly signed by the seller, including the odometer reading and purchase price. Proof of Florida insurance, specifically Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability coverage, is mandatory. A valid form of identification, such as a Florida driver’s license or ID card, is also necessary.
The process requires submitting HSMV form 82040, “Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration.” For vehicles from out-of-state, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification may be required. These requirements are established by Florida Statute 319.22 for titles and Florida Statute 320.02 for general registration. Transactions can be completed at a local county tax collector’s office or authorized license plate agencies.
To ensure a smooth transfer and avoid penalties, file the application within 30 days of acquiring the vehicle. If an existing license plate is transferred, it must be removed from the previous vehicle and applied to the new one. The registration period for individual owners typically expires on their birth date. When purchasing from a private seller, completing the transaction at a vehicle service center is advisable to ensure all documentation is correctly processed and taxes are properly paid.